How to Survive Stage 4 Colon Cancer

There are many factors that determine whether someone will survive stage 4 colon cancer. Tumor size, depth, thickness and stage at the time of diagnosis all play a role. Unfortunately, the survival rates are not good. Most people live less than 13 months following the diagnosis of colon cancer. Fewer than 14 percent of people coping with stage 4 colon cancer are still living five years after they were first diagnosed.

Things You'll Need

• Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Surgery Good diet, plenty of sleep, relaxation

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Instructions

• 1

  Expect a better chance at surviving if the colon cancer was diagnosed early. Similarly, know that there is an increased survival rate if your tumor is less than 2 centimeters in diameter or less than 2 millimeters thick.

• 2

  Undergo surgical resection to make the colon healthier. The surgeon removes the affected section of the colon and some of the normal tissue that surrounds it. He then rejoins the two healthy sections, creating one long and healthy piece.

• 3

  Prepare for chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells after surgery, relieve symptoms or control the growth of new tumors. Chemo involves the administration of high doses of drugs on a regular basis. According to the Mayo Clinic, chemo is recommended if the cancer has spread past your colon wall.

• 4

  Receive radiation therapy separately or in conjunction with chemotherapy. It uses energy sources like X-rays to shrink large tumors before surgery, destroy cancer cells after surgery or to ease symptoms of colon cancer.

• 5

  Eat well, get plenty of sleep and relax often. These practices will help you fight the colon cancer. The disease will cause insurmountable stress and fatigue. You need to do whatever you can to keep your energy up.